The BBC is set to revive the iconic sitcom Absolutely Fabulous for three new episodes, with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley reprising their roles as Edina and Patsy. The deal is reportedly in its final stages, with filming expected to begin later this year.
Joanna Lumley confirmed the news to Hello! magazine, stating that shooting will commence in late August. However, she noted that Jennifer Saunders has not yet started writing the script due to other commitments, including writing for Comic Relief and a Spice Girls musical.
Lumley had hinted at the show's return last November, revealing that Saunders had written to her about the possibility. "I said, 'Bring it on'," Lumley recalled. She noted that the entire original cast, including June Whitfield, Julia Sawalha, and Jane Horrocks, is available and eager to participate.
The sitcom originally aired from 1992 to 1996, with subsequent series and specials running until 2004. A Comic Relief special aired in 2005. The new episodes will continue the story of the two fashion-obsessed friends, who were last seen in a future where they were "very old and nearly dead".
A BBC spokeswoman said: "We're putting the finishing touches to the deal to bring it back and as soon as we're in a position to confirm it we will."
